Book Review- Getting Started Knitting Socks

Handmade socks are so good because they are not only unique and one-of-a-kind, but they are also made with care and attention to detail. When you knit your own socks, you have the ability to choose the yarn and the colors that you want, making the socks personal and special. Additionally, handmade socks are often made with higher-quality materials than store-bought socks, making them more durable and comfortable to wear.

Do you need to block your handmade socks? If so how?
Blocking is not strictly necessary for handmade socks, but it can be beneficial in some cases. Blocking can help even out the stitches, reshape the sock to its intended shape, and even out the tension in the yarn.

If you choose to block your handmade socks, you can do so by steaming or wet blocking. To steam block, hold the sock over a steaming kettle or a pot of simmering water, and use a pressing cloth to press the steam into the fibers of the sock. To wet block, immerse the sock in lukewarm water and gently squeeze out the excess water, then lay the sock flat on a blocking surface, such as a towel, and reshape it to the desired size and shape. Leave the sock to dry completely before moving it.

It’s important to note that some yarns may not respond well to blocking, such as superwash wool, synthetic fibers, and yarns with a lot of nylon or acrylic. It’s always a good idea to check the care instructions for the yarn you are using before blocking your handmade socks.

In “Getting Started Knitting Socks,” the book offers clear and detailed instructions for first-time sock makers, including helpful photographs and instructional drawings to ensure that even inexperienced knitters will be able to produce high-quality socks. The book provides instructions for five different sizes from child to adult large, and five different gauges, allowing knitters to produce styles ranging from delicate dress socks to thick and furry slipper socks. Furthermore, with 16 unique designs and dozens of rib, cable, and lace patterns provided, knitters can add variety and flair to their socks. The book also includes plenty of tips and a handy stitch dictionary to unleash the creativity and fun of sock knitting.

Next Pattern:

Why should the fireplace get all the fun? Instead of knitting stockings this year, why not whip up a pair of Christmas themed socks? These Christmas sock knitting patterns are lots of fun to make and you can wear them to holiday gatherings for years to come.

For our friends in the southern part of the world, there are the Christmas in July socks from the Kiwi Lodge – Kylie (Ravelry link). These shorty socks are covered in Christmas trees and have bright pink heels and toes for a tropical feel. There’s also an option to make a longer sock if you celebrate somewhere it’s colder.

Twin Stitches Designs (Ravelry) has a fun pattern with mix and match colorwork motifs you can use to build your own cozy Christmas socks. From the sample socks I see Christmas puddings, trucks hauling trees, Santa belts, ornaments and a couple of different borders. There may be more patterns included but the listing doesn’t say. Make a pair that matches or use different motifs on each foot for extra holiday cheer.

If you want to stick to Christmas puddings on your holiday socks, check out this cute pattern from Stone Knits. These lovely socks feature a band of puddings around the leg and a bit of holly by the toes.

These vintage holiday light socks from Grey Owl Knits by Sarah are classic looking and lots of fun at the same time. I love this color combination but of course you can make your lights and stripes whatever colors you like or have on hand. They’re worked using stranded knitting.

And if you’d like even more of a mix of patterns for your socks, try Barbara Ceglédi’s Christmas Chaos socks, a free pattern on Ravelry. The pattern includes 25 little motifs you can choose from, ranging from snowflakes and Christmas trees to elf hats, reindeer and hearts.

Next Pattern:

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